A centuries-old coastal community in northeast Maryland
In 1789, Havre de Grace was one vote away from becoming the U.S. capital. As a result of the decision, this piece of Maryland shoreline avoided big-city development and congestion. In lieu of high-rise buildings, vistas include church steeples, rows of aged red-brick storefronts and the historic Concord Point Lighthouse. As the site where the Susquehanna River meets the Chesapeake Bay, the city offers numerous employment opportunities and recreational activities centered around the water. Though a self-sufficient community with a wide range of amenities, Havre de Grace’s nearly 13,000 residents can get to Baltimore in about 40 miles for work or entertainment. Aberdeen Proving Ground, a U.S. Army facility, is another major employer, about 11 miles away.
Townhomes in Havre De Grace with street parking are great smaller home options.
Expansive Victorian homes near the water in Havre De Grace can be valued at nearly $1 million.
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The waterfront parks, piers and marinas of Havre de Grace
The Millard Tydings Memorial Park provides 20 acres of green space along the water’s edge. Visitors can play on the playground, eat at a picnic table or watch boats sail by from the boardwalk. The Concord Point Park has similar amenities, as well as the lighthouse, which is open for tours. Boaters can choose from a variety of marinas, and plenty of walking piers, like the one at Frank J. Hutchins Memorial Park, are used for fishing. Those who would rather learn about the city’s fishing and crabbing history can check out the Havre de Grace Maritime Museum. Further inland, the Bulle Rock Golf Course features an 18-hole fairway, which was utilized by the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) for several championships. The Havre de Grace Recreation Committee hosts events for both adults and children, from basketball programs to lacrosse clinics.
Concord Point Lighthouse, located along the boardwalk of Millard Tydings Memorial Park.
Take a walk right by the water at Frank J. Hutchins Memorial Park in Havre De Grace.
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Downtown dining and shopping in Bel Air
Most restaurants are concentrated near the waterside or off Washington Street. “They’re ready to do downtown revitalization to the shopping district, so it is definitely up-and-coming,” explains Realtor and Team Leader Brian Zack at Garceau Realty. Customers can hit St. John Street for American cuisine at MacGregor’s or Coakley’s Pub before heading to Bomboy’s, a homemade ice cream and candy store that’s been a Havre de Grace classic since 1978. The Tidewater Grille has fresh seafood and a riverfront view, and The Vinyard Wine Bar serves what Zack considers “the best food in town.” Big-box stores, like Weis Markets and CVS, have locations off Route 40, and the closest Target is about 6 miles away. More extensive shopping trips for retail may require a trip to the Harford Mall, about 15 miles away in Bel Air.
Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere with a cup of coffee at Concord Point Coffee in Havre De Grace.
Macgregor's Restaurant offers seafood favorites and live music in Havre De Grace.
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First Fridays, Duck Drops and art exhibits
Havre de Grace hosts many events, such as First Fridays, which spotlight small businesses and food trucks along closed downtown streets. The city is known as the “Decoy Capital of the World” for its mass production of Chesapeake Bay duck decoys, used for hunting. Instead of watching a ball drop on New Years Eve, Havre de Grace residents head to Concord Point Park for the annual Duck Drop and midnight fireworks.
Residents celebrate New Years Eve at the Duck Drop in Havre de Grace.
Residents can shop for plants for their home garden at the Havre de Grace Farmer's Market.
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Condos on the Susquehanna and colonials from the early 1900s
Buyers will find townhouses, condos and single-family builds throughout Havre de Grace. “It’s a historic district with quite a range of homes, and there has been a lot of revitalization,” Zack says. “People are picking up older homes and restoring them to their former glory.” Common architecture includes colonials, Capes, ranch-style homes and Craftsman bungalows. Waterfront real estate consists of condos with dock slips and marina views.
Though some properties on auction and houses in need of renovations sell for under $100,000, most condos and single-family homes exceed $200,000. Condos farther inland cost up to $400,000, while units closer on the water can reach $700,000. Single-family houses with four-to-five bedrooms may fetch just over $1 million, though prices most often fall between $400,000 and $700,000. Bulle Rock, a gated community with a private activity center, features some of the priciest houses, whereas more affordable neighborhoods, like Grace Harbour, may have more starter-home options.
A mix of colorful single family homes on Bourbon Street in Havre De Grace.
Many Colonial homes in Havre De Grace come with attached garages and sizable yards.
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Harford County and nearby private schools get high marks
The Harford County Public Schools district earns an A-minus on Niche. Students may attend Havre de Grace Elementary, Middle and High schools, which all score in the B range. Alternatively, families can enroll their prekindergarten through eighth graders at Good Shepherd Catholic School, which has an A-plus. About 13 miles away in Bel Air, the Grace Classical Academy is an A-rated private option for prekindergarten through 12th grade.
Havre De Grace Middle & High School reside in a brand new beautiful building.
Young students learn at Havre De Grace Elementary School.
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Navigating the eastern shores of Harford County
Harford Transit LINK buses stop throughout town, with routes including the Green and Teal lines. Commuters can also hop on an Amtrak train in Perryville or Aberdeen. Baltimore rests 30 miles away and Philadelphia, under 70 miles north, via Interstate 95. Route 40 is another major thoroughfare that cuts through the area. The BWI International Airport operates about 47 miles away.
Crime patterns, weather and a restored shoreline
While rates for both property and violent crimes have fluctuated over the last five years, they fell below national and state-wide averages by the end of 2023, according to the FBI.
The city experiences four distinct seasons, and flood risk can increase with proximity to the coast. The Living Shoreline project has begun combatting flood risks near Concord Point with stormwater filtration systems and a sandy stretch of beach that repels waves. The project has brought activity and wildlife back to the area, which was previously facing erosion issues.
Terri Hill offers energy, excitement and passion . She has over 20 years experience as a TOP new home sales person, trainer and manager for some of the industries largest and most successful builders. She has won multiple HBAM sales rep of the year awards as well volume and leadership awards from some of the largest builders in Baltimore.
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